PRIMER FOR VOTERS 

[New York Edition, \9\S] 

CONTENTS. 


Page 

(I) Voting Regulations in New York State... 5 

Elections Held. 5 

Qualifications of Voters. 6 

Local Elections at Which Women are Entitled to Vote 7 

Registration of Voters for Elections.. . 7 

Party Enrollment of Voters... 9 

Election Districts; Polling Places; Ballots. 9 

Form'of Ballot for Public Officers.. 10 

General Directions for Casting a Vote.. 10 

(II) Elections. 14 

The National Presidential Election. 14 

The General Election (New York State). ... . 15 

Fall Primary Elections; Spring Primary Elections (New 

York State). 17 

Local Elections (New York State)... 18 

(III) Nomination of Candidates. 21 

Nomination of Party Candidates for the National 

Presidential Election— .. 21 

Nomination of Party and Independent Candidates for 

Elective Public Offices in New York State. ...... 22 

Designation of Candidates for Fall and Spring Primary 

Elections. 22 

(IV) Departments and Officers of New York State Govern¬ 

ment. .. 24 

Constitutional Amendments; Constitutional Convention 30 

(V) Officers of New York County, City, Town and Village 

Government. 32 

(VI) Departments and Officers of New York City Govern- , 

ment. 35 

(VII) General Election Chart; Political Calendar for 1915 ... 42 


WOMAN SUFFRAGE STATUS 


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PRIMER FOR VOTERS 


NEW YORK EDITION 
1915 


COMPILED 

BY 

M. G. STAPLER 



PRINTED BY 

NATIONAL WOMAN SUFFRAGE PUBLISHING CO., Inc 



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©CI.A414153 

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EG.Vi. ^.2.fe 



COPYRIGHT, 1911 
COPYRIGHT. 1914 
COPYRIGHT, 1915 
BY 

M. G. STAPLER 


OCT 20 1915 



I. 

VOTING REGULATIONS IN NEW YORK STATE. 
Elections Held. 


Two kinds of elections are held under the provisions of 
the New York State Election Law—general elections and 
official primary elections. 

A general election is an election at which voters elect 
public officers and vote upon public questions; an official 
primary election is an election at which the enrolled members 
of a political party nominate party candidates for public 
office, or elect members of party committees. 

The following are the general and the official primary 
elections held: 

(i.) General Elections. 

An election, called the General Election, is held annually 
throughout the State on the Tuesday after the first Monday 
in November. At this election, in various years, certain 
national, state, coimty, city, town and village officers are 
elected, and, when necessary, proposed Constitutional 
Amendments and Public Questions are submitted to popular 
vote. 

A Special Election is held when necessary to fill a vacancy 
in public office, or to submit a proposed Constitutional 
Amendment or Public Question to popular vote. 

In cities of the first and second class, and in some cities 
of the third class, city elective officers are elected at the 
General Election, in odd-numbered years.^ In the re¬ 
maining cities of the third class they are elected at biennial 
City Elections. 

1 Cities of the first class number a population over 175,000; those of the second 
class from 50,000 to 175,000; those of the third class less than 50,000. 

.5 




Town Meetings are held biennially for the election of 
town officers and to submit town questions to popular vote. 
(When not elected at Town Meetings, town officers are 
elected at the General Election.) 

Village Elections are held annually for the election of 
village officers and to submit village questions to popular 
vote. (When not elected at Village Elections, village 
officers are elected at the General Election.) 

School District Meetings are held annually for the election 
of school officers and to submit school questions to popular 
vote. 

(2.) Official Primary Elections. 

The fifth Tuesday before the General Election is Fall 
Primary Day. On this day political parties hold official 
primary elections called Fall Primary Elections. 

The first Tuesday in April, in the year of a National 
Presidential Election, is Spring Primary Day. On this day 
political parties hold official primary elections called Spring 
Primary Elections. 

Fall and Spring Primary Elections are usually held at the 
official polling place in each election, or primary district, and 
are conducted by the regular election officers.^ 

Qualifications of Voters, 

Only those persons are entitled to vote at an election 
who have been registered as qualified voters of an election 
district in which the election is held .2 

A qualified voter is a male citizen who is, or will be, on the 
day of election twenty-one years of age, (1) who has beien 
an inhabitant of the state for one year preceding the election, 
(2) who has bee,n a resident of the county for the last four 
months, (3) and who has been a resident of the election 
district, (in which he offers his vote), for the last thirty 

1 Unofficial primary elections are those held under party regulations. In certain 
cities an election district constitutes a primary district. 

2 No registration is required for town or village elections, except as provided by 
Town or Village Law, and except when the election is held at the time of the General 
Election. 


6 




days.^ If a naturalized citizen, he must have become nat¬ 
uralized at least ninety days prior to the day of the election. 

To be entitled to vote at an official primary election, a 
person must have enrolled in the preceding year as a 
member of the political party holding the election, and must 
be qualified to vote on the day of the election.^ 

To be entitled to vote at a Town Meeting upon propo¬ 
sitions to raise money for town purposes, a person must 
have property qualifications, in addition to the usual 
qualifications of a voter.^ 

To be entitled to vote at a Village Election, a person must 
have certain qualifications, in addition to the usual quali¬ 
fications of a voter. 

To be entitled to vote at a School District Meeting, a 
person must have certain qualifications.^ 

Local Elections at which Women are Entitled to Vote, 

Women who possess the qualifications to vote for town or 
village officers, and who are owners of property in the town 
or village, assessed upon the preceding assessment roll, are 
entitled to vote at a Town, or Village Election, upon propo¬ 
sitions to raise money by tax or assessment for town or 
village purposes. ^ They are also entitled to vote upon propo¬ 
sitions to borrow money upon bonds for village purposes. 

Women are entitled to vote at School District Meetings, 
provided they have the qualifications which are reviewed 
upon page 20. 

Registration of Voters for Elections.^ 

For election purposes cities and towns are divided into 
election districts.^ 

1 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Sec. 162 (as amended.) 

2 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Sec. 71. 

3 Qualifications to vote at Town and Village Elections.Page 19 

4 Qualifications to vote at a School District Meeting.Page 20 

5 Source of Reference: Town Law, Sec. 55; Village Law, Sec. 41 (as amended.'' 

6 Source of Reference: The Election Law: Secs. 150, 154, 155, 158, 159, 162 
(section 150 as amended 1915). 

7 Election Districts.Page 9 


7 








Meetings are held annually in each district for the reg¬ 
istration of the voters residing within the district. These 
Meetings are held on appointed days several weeks prior to 
the General Election,^ at an appointed place in each 
district, by the Election Inspectors of the district. 

At the Meetings for Registration in each district, a register 
is compiled containing the name, address, occupation, etc., 
of every voter residing within the district. 

In cities and villages of over five thousand inhabitants, 
only those may be registered who appear personally at a 
Meeting for Registration. 

When an election district is situated wholly outside a 
city or village of over five thousand inhabitants, the 
Election Inspectors register voters as follows: 

On the first day of Registration, they register the names 
of those who voted at the last General Election, and of such 
others as are shown to be qualified to be registered. They 
also register those who appear in person. On the second 
day, registration must be personal. 

At a Meeting for Registration, a person is entitled to be 
registered for any election which is to be held in the district 
during the following year, provided he will be qualified to 
vote on the day of the Election. 

Registration for Town or Village Elections.2 

No registration of voters is required for town or village 
elections, except as provided by Town or Village Law, and 
except when the election is held at the time of the General 
Election. 

Change of Residence.3 

A person who has been registered, and who changes his 
place of residence within the same election district, may 
state his change of residence to the Election Inspectors on a 
day of registration, or on a day. of election.^ 

1 The term General Election refers to the election held annually the Tuesday 
after the first Monday in November. 

2 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Sec. 161, 

3 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Sec, 165. 

4 Registration Days, 1915.Page 43 


8 




Party Enrollment of Voters.^ 


To be entitled to vote at a party official primary election, 
a person must have been enrolled as a member of the political 
party holding the election. 

Party Enrollment is made on a day of registration, or on 
Election day. When personal registration is required, en¬ 
rollment is made on a day of registration. When personal 
registration is not required, enrollment is made after voting 
at an election. 

A person who has enrolled as a member of a political 
party, may not enroll as a member of any other political 
party before the first day of the next registration, except in 
the following case: 

A person who has been an enrolled member of the same 
political party for five years, and who by mistake enrolls 
with a different political party, may have this enrollment 
cancelled by applying to the Custodian of Primary Records, 
and may again be enrolled with his Party. 

A person who becomes of age after the General Election 
has been held, may enroll as a member of a political party, 
on, or before, the fourth Tuesday preceding an official 
primary election of the party. This special enrollment is 
made by signing a Statement Blank, supplied by the 
Custodian of Primary Records. 

Election Districts; Polling Places; Ballots, 

Cities and towns are divided into election districts. Each 
district contains about four hundred voters. 

There is an appointed Polling Place in each district, where 
the electors of the district vote at a General Election. 

Before Fall or Spring Primary Day, cities and towns are 
divided into primary election districts .2 There are appointed 
Polling Places in each district. 

1 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Secs. 8, 9, 19, 14 (a-b.) 

2 Henceforth in cities of over one million inhabitants and in villages of less than 
five thousand, an election district is to constitute a primary district. (The Election 
Law, Sec. 74, as amended, 1915.) 

Wherever authorized, voting machines are used at elections. 

9 





Five kinds of ballots are used at general elections: (1) 
ballot for presidential electors; (2) ballot for general public 
officers; (3) ballot upon constitutional amendments and 
questions submitted; (4) ballot upon town propositions, and 
(5) ballot upon town appropriations. 

At an official primary election a party primary ballot is 
used. 


Form of Ballot for Public Officers. 

The following is the form of ballot used at the General 
Election for the election of public officers:^ 

The Ballot is printed in sections. At the head of each 
section is the title of an office which is to be filled at the 
election. Beneath the title of each office is a list of candi¬ 
dates for the office. At the left of each candidate’s name is 
the emblem of his Part}",^ together with a voting square. 
At the right of each candidate’s name is the title of his 
Party. If two Political Parties have nominated the same 
candidate, the emblem of each Party is printed at the 
left of the candidate’s name, and the title of each Party 
is printed at the right. At the bottom of each section is a 
blank line. 

A candidate whose name is printed upon the ballot is 
voted for by making a mark x in the voting square at 
the left of his name.^ 

A person whose name is not printed upon the Ballot, may 
be voted for by writing his name upon the blank line under 
the title of the office to which it is wished to elect him.^ 

See General Election Ballot, 1914. (Pages 12 and 13.) 


General Directions for Casting a Vote.^ 

A person, on entering the Polling Place to vote at an 
election, gives his name and residence to the Election In- 

1 Except for the election of Presidential Electors. 

2 Or of the Independent Body which has nominated him. 

3 Instructions for marking a ballot for general ofidcers, The Election Law, Sec. 
331, (as amended 1914.) 

4 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Secs. 356, 358, 359. 

10 




specters. If his right to vote is not challenged, one of the 
Ballot Clerks gives him a ballot (or set of ballots.) He 
then enters a voting booth to mark his ballot, or ballots. 
(At the head of each ballot are instructions for marking it.) 
After marking it, he folds it, and gives it to the Inspector 
in charge of the ballot box. 

(If he should spoil his ballot, or set of ballots, he may 
obtain others, not exceeding three sets, from the Ballot 
Clerk.) 


11 


THE GENERAL 



2 LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR (Vot« for od«). 

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TMOMAS B. LOCKWOOD.Democratic 



EDWARD SCHOENECK.’ 



CHAUNCEV J. HAMLIN.Profrcaalvc 

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STEPHEN X MAHONEY.SocUlUt 

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CHARLES R WELCH.ProMMtlon 



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FRANCIS M. HUGO. 



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n. 

ELECTIONS. 

United States Presidential and Vice-Presidential Election. 


The United States Constitution provides that the Presi¬ 
dent and Vice-President of the United States shall be elected 
by the vote of chosen Electors. 

Each State is entitled to elect as many Presidential Elec¬ 
tors as it has Senators and Representatives in Congress. 

Each State elects its Electors at the general election 
held every fourth year on the Tuesday after the first 
Monday in November. 

The election of Electors is called a Presidential Election. 

The Electoral candidates of each political party are 
pledged, if elected, to vote for National Party candidates, 
for President and Vice-President. Thus the political party 
having the greatest number of Electoral candidates elected 
throughout the United States, at a Presidential Election, 
has won the election of its candidates for President and 
Vice-President. 

Some weeks after their election the Electors of each State 
meet, on an appointed day, at their State Capitol. At this 
meeting, (called the Meeting of the Electoral College), each 
gives a vote in writing for a President and for a Vice- 
President. 

The Electoral votes from each State are transmitted to 
Washington, and there counted by the President of the 
Senate, in the presence of both Houses, and the names of 
the candidates elected as President and Vice-President 
announced. 

The next Presidential Election will take place in the year 
1916. 


14 



Elections Held in the State of New York. 


The General Election. 

The General Election is held annually throughout the 
State, on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. 
At this election, in various years, the following public officers 
are elected: (1) National Presidential Electors; (2) Certain 
New York State Executive Officers; (3) United States 
Senators from New York State; (4) Representatives in 
Congress from New York State; (5) New York State 
Senators; (6) New York State Assemblymen; (7) Judges of 
the New York State Court of Appeals; (8) Justices of the 
New York State Supreme Court; (9) Officers of the various 
Counties in New York State; (10) Officers of certain cities, 
towns and villages in New York State. 

At the General Election, in addition to the election of 
public officers, proposed Constitutional Amendments and 
Public Questions may be submitted to popular vote.^ 

Public Officers Elected. 

Presidential Electors: Every fourth year the General 
Election falls upon the same day as the National Presidential 
Election. At this General Election forty-five Electors of 
President and Vice-President of the United States are 
elected by a St ate-wide vote. 

Each person voting at the election is entitled to vote for 
forty-five Electoral Candidates. The forty-five Candidates 
who receive the highest number of votes are elected Presi¬ 
dential Electors for the State of New York. 

(2.) State Executive Officers The Governor, Lieu¬ 
tenant-Governor, Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, 
Attorney-General, and State Engineer are elected at the 
General Election each even-numbered year, for a term of 
office of two years. They are elected by a State-wide vote. 


1 Constitutional Amendments.Page 30 

2 State Executive Officers.Page 24 


15 






(3.) United States Senators: The State is represented 
in the National Senate by two United States Senators. 
Each holds office for a term of six years. 

A United States Senator is elected, by a state-wide vote, 
at the General Election which precedes the expiration of 
term of a holder of office. 

The terms of those in office expire in the years 1917 and 
1921. Their successors will be elected in 1916 and 1920. 

(4.) United States Representatives:^ The State is 
divided, at present, into forty-three Congressional Districts. 
At the General Election, each even-numbered year, the 
voters of each District elect a United States Representative 
for a term of office of two years. 

(5.) State Senators The State is divided into fifty- 
one Senatorial Districts. At the General Election, each 
even-numbered year, the voters of each District elect a 
State Senator for a term of office of two years. 

(6.) Members of the Assembly The State is divided 
into one hundred and fifty Assembly Districts. Annually 
at the General Election, the voters of each District elect 
a Member of the Assembly for a term of office of one 
year. 

(7.) State Judiciary There are seven Judges of the 
Court of Appeals. Each is elected at a General Election, 
by a State-wide vote, for a term of office of fourteen years. 
(Terms expire in various years.) 

The State is divided into nine Judicial Districts. An 
allotted number of Justices are elected to the Supreme 
Court by the voters of each District, for a term of office of 
fourteen years. (Terms expire in various years.) 

Judges and Justices are elected at the General Election 
which precedes the expiration of term of holders of office. 

1 Representation in the House of Representatives is upon the basis of population. 


2 Members of the State Legislature.Page 29 

3 State Judiciary.Page 30 


16 





(8.) County Officers:^ The Executive and Judicial 
Officers of each county are elected at General Elections, by 
a county-wide vote. The term of Executive Officers is 
three years; the term of Judicial Officers is six years. 

(Members of the County Board of Supervisors are 
elected at Town Meetings.) 

(9.) Local Officers: In all cities of the first and second 
class, and in some cities of the third class, elective city 
officers are elected at the General Election, in odd-numbered 
years, for various terms of office. ^ Town and village elective 
officers may also be elected at the General Election.^ 

Fall Primary Elections; Spring Primary Elections. 

At a Fall Party Primary Election, party candidates may 
be nominated for all public offices which are to be filled at 
the following General Election, except for the office of 
Presidential Elector, and except for town, village and school 
district offices. In addition to the nomination of party 
candidates, at a Fall Party Primary Election, members of 
Party Committees are elected. 

At a Spring Party Primary Election, delegates and al¬ 
ternates to the National Party Convention and members of 
Party Committees are elected. 

Nomination of Party Candidates. 

Party candidates for the General Election are nominated 
at the Fall Party Primary Election in the following way: 

The party primary ballot contains the titles of the 
public offices which are to be filled at the General Election. 
Beneath the title of each office is a list of persons who are 
candidates for nomination as Party Candidate for the 
office. The candidate for nomination for an office who 
receives the highest number of votes is chosen, or nomi¬ 
nated, as Party candidate for the office. 


1 County Officers.Page 32 

2 City Officers.Page 32 

3 Town and Village Officers.Page 33 


17 







Election of Members of Party Committees.^ 

Party committees are the State Committee, County Com¬ 
mittees, and such other committees as the rules of the Party 
may provide. The Election Law requires that the members 
of the Party State Committee, and the members of Party 
County Committees be elected at the Fall or Spring 
Primary of the Party. 

A Party State Committee is formed by the election of one 
member from each Assembly District. Members are 
elected in even-numbered years (1914, 1916, etc.), to hold 
office two years, and are elected at the Fall Primary, except 
in the year of a Presidential Election, when they are 
elected at the Spring Primary. 

A Party County Committee is formed by the election in 
each election district within the county of at least one 
member, and of whatever number of additional members 
the Party may provide for, in proportion to the party vote 
cast in the district for Governor at the last election. Mem¬ 
bers are elected annually at the Fall Primary, except in 
the year of a Presidential Election when they are elected 
at the Spring Primary.^ 

Election of Delegates to a National Party Convention.3 

The rules of each Party may provide that delegates and 
alternates to a National Party Convention be elected from 
Congressional Districts, or partly from Congressional 
Districts and partly from the State at large. (Not more 
than four delegates and four alternates may be elected from 
the State at large.) 


Local Elections. 

City Elections. 

In cities of the first and second class, and in some cities 
of the third class, city elective officers are elected in odd- 

1 Source of Reference:—The Election Law, Secs. 36, 37, 38 (as amended.) 

2 Members of other Committees are chosen according to Party Regulations. 

3 National Party Convention.Page 21 


18 





numbered years at the General Election. ^ In the re¬ 
maining cities of the third class they are elected at City 
Elections, held at times set by City Charters. The terms 
of city officers vary. The Mayor and the Chief Executive 
Officers are elected by a city-wide vote. Members of the 
Common Council are elected by wards or at large. Elective 
City Judges are elected by district vote or at large.^ 

Town Meetings. 

Town elections, called Town Meetings, are held biennially 
for the election of town officers and to submit town questions 
to popular vote. The majority of Town Meetings are held 
on the third Tuesday in March. If not elected at Town 
Meetings, town officers are elected biennially at the General 
Election.^ 

No elector of a town may vote at a Town Meeting upon a 
proposition to raise or appropriate money, or to incur a 
town liability, unless he or his wife is the owner of property 
in the town, assessed upon the preceding assessment roll.^ 

Village Elections. 

(Qualifications of Voters.) 

Village Elections are held annually for the election of 
village officers and to submit village questions to popular 
vote. The majority of Village Elections are held on the 
third Tuesday in March. If not elected at Village Elections, 
village officers are elected at the General Election.^ 

To vote at the Village Election, of a village having 
less than 5,000 inhabitants, a person must have the fol¬ 
lowing qualifications:—*(1) To be entitled to vote for an 
officer,—he must be qualified to vote at a Town Meeting 
of the township in which he resides, and must have re¬ 
sided in the village thirty days preceding the election. (2) 

1 Certain city officers may be elected every four years. 


2 City Officers.Page 32 

3 Town Officers.Page 33 

4 Source of Reference:—Town Law, Sec. 53. 

5 Village Officers.Page 34 


19 






To be entitled to vote upon propositions,—he must be 
entitled to vote for an officer, and he must also be the 
owner of property in the village, assessed upon the pre¬ 
ceding assessment-roll.^ 

School District Meetings. 

(Qualifications of Voters.) 

The State is divided into School Districts. An annual 
Meeting is held, usually on the first Tuesday in May, in 
each District. At this Meeting, school officers are elected 
and school questions are voted upon. 

The Education Law provides that any person of either 
sex is entitled to vote at a School District Meeting, 
who is a citizen of the United States, who is twenty-one 
years of age, who has been a resident within the school 
district for thirty days preceding the Meeting, and who, 
in addition, has one of the following qualifications:—(a) 
Owns or hires, or possesses under contract of purchase, 
real property in the district liable to taxation for school 
purposes; or, (b) is the parent of a child of school age, 
who has attended the district school for at least eight weeks 
during the year preceding the Meeting; or, (c) has residing 
with him, or her, a child of school age, who has attended 
the district school for at least eight weeks during the year 
preceding the Meeting; or, (d) owns personal property, 
assessed upon the preceding assessment roll of the town, 
exceeding fifty dollars.^ 


1 Source of Reference:—Village Law, Sec. 41. 

2 Source of Reference:—Education Law, Sec. 203. 

20 



III. 

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIONS. 


Nomination of Party Candidates for the National Presidential 
Election. 

Party candidates for the office of President and for the 
office of Vice-President of the United States are nominated 
at a National Party Convention, held in the summer pre¬ 
ceding the Presidential Election. 

A National Party Convention is composed of party dele¬ 
gates elected from the various States. Delegates from New 
York State to a National Party Convention are elected at 
the Spring Party Primary Election.^ 

Nomination of Party Candidates for Elective Public OflS^ces in New 
York State. 

Section forty-five of the Election Law, as amended in 
1914, provides that Party candidates for all public offices 
to be filled at the General Election, (except for the office of 
Presidential Elector, and except for town, village and school 
district offices), are to be nominated at the preceding Fall 
Party Primary Election. 

Party candidates for the office of Presidential Elector are 
to be nominated, as formerly, by the Party State Committee, 
one for each Congressional District, and two at large.^ 

Party candidates for city offices, to be filled at a time 
different from the General Election, are to be nominated at 
unofficial party primaries. 

Party candidates for town and village elective offices, and 
for school district offices are to be nominated according to 
the regulations of the Party County Committee. 

1 Election of Delegates to a National Party Convention.Page 18 

2 Source of Reference: The Election Law, Sec. 54. 

21 




Nomination of Independent Candidates for Elective Public Offices 
in New York State.i 

An Independent candidate for an elective public office is 
nominated by the petition of certain voters, who sign an 
independent certificate of nomination in his favor. 

The number of voters required to sign a certificate of 
nomination is fixed by the Election Law as follows: 

(1) The certificate of a candidate for a public office, to 
be voted for by all the voters of the State, must be signed 
by at least 6,000 voters of the State, provided that at least 
50 voters in each county sign. 

(2) The certificate of a candidate for a public office, to 
be voted for by the voters of any political subdivision of the 
State,^ must be signed by a number of voters equalling 
five per centum of the total number of votes cast for 
Governor, at the last election, in the political subdivision; 
(provided, that not more than 3,000 signatures are required, 
—and that not more than 1,500 signatures are required to 
make an independent nomination for a borough or county 
office.) 

Designation of Candidates for Fall and Spring Primary Elections.3 

Candidates for nomination, or for election, whose names 
are upon the Party primary ballot, at a Fall or Spring Party 
Primary Election, must have been previously selected by 
means of petitions for designation. 

The Election Law provides that a petition for a candi¬ 
date’s designation is required to be signed by a certain 
number of enrolled Party voters residing within the political 
subdivision, or unit of representation,^ for which the Party 
nomination or election is to be made. The number of en¬ 
rolled voters who sign a petition must equal not less than 
three per centum of the total number of enrolled Party 

1 Source of Reference:—The Election Law, Sec. 122 (as amended.) 

2 The term “political subdivision” means a political district, as for instance, an 
Assembly District. 

3 Source of Reference:—The Election Law, Secs. 46, 48, [as amended, 1915.] 

4 The term “unit of representation” means a political subdivision which is the 
unit from which members of a party committee or delegates to a party conven¬ 
tion are elected. 


22 



voters residing within the political subdivision, or unit of 
representation; provided that for the following offices the 
number of signatures are not to exceed the following fixed 
limits: 

For the office of United States Senator or for an office to 
be filled by all the voters of the State, three thousand 
signatures. 

For the office of Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge of 
the Court of General Sessions, or Judge of the City Court 
(New York City), fifteen hundred signatures. 

For an office to be filled by all the voters of a city, con¬ 
taining more than a million inhabitants, fifteen hundred 
signatures. 

For an office to be filled by all the voters of a city of the 
first class containing less than a million inhabitants, one 
thousand signatures. 

For an office to be filled by all the voters of a county, or 
of a borough, containing more than 250,000 inhabitants, 
one thousand signatures. 

For an office to be filled by all the voters of a county or 
borough, containing more than 25,000 and not over 250,- 
000 inhabitants, or of a city of the second class, or of a 
Congressional, or Senatorial District, five hundred signa¬ 
tures. 

For an office to be filled by all the voters of a county, con¬ 
taining less than 25,000 inhabitants, or of a city of the third 
class, or of an assembly district, two hundred and fifty 
signatures. 


23 


DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICERS OF NEW YORK 
STATE GOVERNMENT.! 

The departments of the State Government are; (1) The 
Executive Department; (2) The Legislative Department; 
(3) The Judicial Department. 


The Executive Department. 

[(i) Executive Officers. (2) Administrative Officers, Boards, and 
Commissions.] 

State Executive Officers are the following: The Governory 
Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary 0 ] State,Comptroller ^Treasurer, 
Attorney-General, State Engineer and Surveyor? 

They are elected biennially at the General Election, by a 
State-wide vote. They take office on the first of January 
following their election, for a term of office of two years. 

The next election of State Executive Officers will take 
place in the year 1916. 


The Governor. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The Governor as Chief Executive of the State has in general 
the following powers and duties: (1) He communicates by 
message to the Legislature at each Session the condition of 
the State, and recommends what measures he considers ad¬ 
visable to be passed. (2) He has power to veto any bill which 

1 General Sources of Reference: New York Legislative Manual, 1915. Session 
Laws, 1915. 

2 The Office of Engineer and Surveyor are held by the same person. 

24 




has been passed by the Legislature; (in which case, the bill 
cannot become a law unless it is re-passed by a two-thirds 
vote of both Houses). (3) When he considers it necessary, he 

may convene the Legislature in Special Session. (4) He has 
power to appoint a number of State Administrative Officers,^ 
with the consent of the Senate. (5) He also has power to 
appoint the members of certain important Commissions. 
(6) He acts as ex-officio member of several Commissions and 
Boards.2 

He receives an annual salary of $10,000. 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

If the office of Governor becomes vacant, the Lieutenant- 
Governor succeeds to it. It is his duty to act as President 
of the Senate. He is a Commissioner of the Canal Fund 
and of the Land Office, and a member of the Canal Board 
and State Board of Equalization. 

He receives an annual salary of $5,000. 

Secretary of State. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The Secretary of State keeps the State records, and 
superintends the publication of laws. He makes an annual 
report to the Legislature upon special subjects. He issues 
patents for lands and grants certain licenses. He is a 
Commissioner of the Canal Fund and of the Land Office, 
and a member of the Canal Board, the State Board of 
Canvassers and the State Board of Equalization. 

He receives an annual salary of $6,000. 

Comptroller. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The Comptroller has charge of the fiscal affairs of the 
State. He is ex-officio a member of the State Board of 

.Page 27 

Pages 28 & 29 


1 Officers appointed by Governor 

2 State Boards. 


25 





Canvassers, the State Board of Equalization, and the Canal 
Board, and he is also a Commissioner of the Canal Fund, 
and of the Land Office. 

He receives an annual salary of $8,000. 

Treasurer. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The Treasurer has charge of moneys paid into the State 
Treasury. He is a Commissioner of the Land Office and of 
the Canal Fund, and a member of the Canal Board, State 
Board of Canvassers, and State Board of Equalization. 

He receives an annual salary of $6,000. 

Attorney-General. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The Attorney-General has charge of the legal affairs of 
the State. He is a Commissioner of the Land Office and of 
the Canal Fund, and is a member of the Canal Board, State 
Board of Canvassers, and State Board of Equalization. 

He receives an annual salary of $10,000. 

State Engineer and Surveyor. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The State Engineer and Surveyor has charge of State 
engineering work, except that upon highways. He is a 
Commissioner of the Land Office, a member of the Canal 
Board, State Board of Canvassers, and State Board of 
Equalization. 

He receives an annual salary of $8,000. 

Administrative Officers, Boards and Commissions.^ 

A number of administrative officers, boards and com¬ 
missions aid in carrying on the work of the Executive 

1 Only a brief list is given here. 

26 




Department. The following officers, certain of whom are 
heads of departments, are appointed by the Governor, with 
the consent of the Senate: 


Administrative Officers 


Term 


Salary- 


Year when 
appointed 


Commissioner of Agriculture.3 yrs. 

State Architect.3 “ 

Superintendent of B anks.3 ^ ‘ 

Fiscal Supervisor of State Charities.. . 5 
Three State Civil Service Commi¬ 
ssioners^ .6 “ 

Conservation Commissioner.6 

State Superintendent of Elections.4 

Commissioner of Health.6 

Commissioner of High way s^.5 ‘‘ 

Superintendent of Insurance.3 

Superintendent of State Prisons.5 ‘‘ 

Health Officer, Port of New York.4 

Superintendent of Public Works^.0 

Three State Tax Commissioners.1, 2 & 3 


$ 8,000 

1914 

10,000 

1913 

10,000 

1914 

6,000 

1914 

5,000 

0000 

8,000 

1915 

5,000 

1915 

8,000 

1914 

10,000 

1915 

10,000 

1914 

6,000 

1914 

12,500 

1912 

6,000 

1915 

6,000 

1915 


State Industrial Commission:^ This Commission has 
been placed at the head of the Department of Labor. It 
consists of five members, appointed by the Governor, with 
the advice of the Senate. The term of each is to be six 
years (except that the terms of those first appointed are 
to expire one in the year 1917, and one in each year 
following.) Each Commissioner is to receive a salary of 
$ 8 , 000 . 

To advise the Commission there is to be an Industrial 
Council, consisting of ten members appointed by the 
Governor. Five members of the Council are to represent 
the interests of employees, and five are to represent the 
interests of employers.^ 

1 Terms expire February 1917, 1919, 1921. 

2 Salary fixed by the Governor. 

3 Term fixed by the Governor. 

4 The bill creating this Commission was signed by the Governor May 22, 1915. 

5 The Members of the Council are to receive no compensation. 

27 















Board of Regents: This Board, consisting of twelve 
Regents, is at the head of the Department of Education. 
One Regent is elected annually by the Legislature, for a term 
of twelve years. A Commissioner of Education, who has 
supervision of public education throughout the State, is 
appointed by the Board of Regents. His salary is $10,000. 

Public Service Commissions: The State is divided into 
two districts. The first includes the counties of New York, 
Kings, Queens and Richmond. The second includes the 
remaining counties of the State, There is a Commission 
for each district, consisting of five Commissioners, appointed 
by the Governor, for a term of five years. ^ The salary of 
each Commissioner is $15,000. 

Court of Claims: This Court was established by the 
Legislature, 1915, to take the place of the Board of Claims. 
It is composed of three Judges, appointed by the Governor. 

State Board of Charities: There are twelve members. 
Each is appointed by the Governor for a term of eight years. 
One is appointed from each Judicial District of the State, 
and three additional members from New York City. 

State Commission of Prisons: There are seven Com¬ 
missioners. Each is appointed by the Governor for a term 
of four years. 

State Board of Equalization: The members are: Com¬ 
missioners of the Land Office and the Tax Commissioners. 
(This Board regulates tax assessments.) 

Commissioners of the Canal Fund: Lieutenant-Governor, 
Secretary of State, Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney- 
General, 

Canal Board: Lieutenant-Governor, Secretary of State, 
Comptroller, Treasurer, Attorney-General, State Engineer, 
Superintendent of Public Works. 

1 The Commission of the First District has supervision of transportation com¬ 
panies in New York City; that of the Second District has supervision of transporta¬ 
tion and illuminating companies of the district. 

28 



State Board of Canvassers: Secretary of State, Comp¬ 
troller, Treasurer, Attorney-General, State Engineer. 

Commissioners of the Land Office: Lieutenant-Governor, 
Speaker of Assembly, Secretary of State, Comptroller, 
Treasurer, Attorney-General, State Engineer. 


The Legislative Department. 

The Legislature. 

The State Legislature is composed of the Senate and the 
Assembly. These Houses pass bills which become State 
laws. 

The Legislature holds an annual Session, which begins 
on the first Wednesday in January. The Governor may 
convene the Legislature in Special Session. 

(i) The Senate. 

The Senate is composed of fifty-one Senators. 

The State is divided into fifty-one Senatorial Districts. 
At the same General Election at which the Governor is 
elected, a State Senator is elected by the voters of each 
District, for a term of office of two years. 

The Lieutenant-Governor acts as President of the Senate. 

Each Senator receives an annual salary of $1,500. 

(2) The Assembly. 

The Assembly is composed of one hundred and fifty 
Members. 

The State is divided into one hundred and fifty Assembly 
Districts. At each General Election one Member of the 
Assembly is elected by the voters of each District, for a 
term of office of one year. 

The presiding officer of the Assembly, called the Speaker 
is chosen by the Members of the Assembly. 

Each Member receives an annual salary of $1,500. 

29 



Judicial Department. 

State Courts. 

(I) The Court of Appeals. 

This Court has a Chief Judge and six Associate Judges, 
each of whom is elected by a State-wide vote, at a General 
Election, for a term of office of fourteen years. Terms 
expire in different years. When an office is about to be¬ 
come vacant, a successor to the office is elected at the pre¬ 
ceding General Election. 

The Chief Justice receives an annual salary of $14,200. 
Each Associate Judge receives an annual salary of $13,700. 

(II) Supreme Court. 

This Court has ninety-seven Justices. 

The State is divided into nine Judicial Districts. An allotted 
number of Justices are elected by the voters of each District, 
for a term of office of fourteen years. Terms expire in different 
years. When an office is about to become vacant, a successor 
to the office is elected at the preceding General Election. 

Each Justice receives an annual salary of $10,000. 

Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. 

The State is divided into four Judicial Departments. In 
each Department there is held an Appellate Division of the 
Supreme Court. The Governor chooses ninety-two Supreme 
Court Justices to serve as Judges of the Appellate Division. 


Constitutional Amendments.^ 

An Amendment to the State Constitution is proposed in 
the Senate and Assembly. If a majority of the members of 
each House are in favor of it, the Amendment is referred 
to the Legislature to be elected at the next General Election 
of Senators. 


1 Source of Reference:—New York State Constitution: Article XIV., Sec. 1. 
30 





If this Legislature also approves it, by a majority vote of 
the members of each House, it is referred to popular vote 
at the next General Election. If a majority of voters ap¬ 
prove the Amendment, it becomes a part of the Constitu¬ 
tion the first of January following. 

An Amendment granting full suffrage rights to the women 
of New York State has been approved by two Legislatures, 
and will be submitted to popular vote at the General 
Election, 1915. 


Constitutional Convention.^ 

The Constitution provides that every twentieth year, or 
at such times as the Legislature may set, the question shall 
be submitted to popular vote whether there shall be a 
Convention to revise and amend the Constitution. If a 
majority of voters are in favor, a Convention is held. 

Delegates to the Convention are elected as follows: Three 
Delegates are elected by the voters of each Senate District, 
and fifteen Delegates are elected by a State-wide vote. 

The Constitution proposed by the Convention is sub¬ 
mitted to popular vote, and if approved, goes into effect 
on the first of January following. 

A Constitutional Convention is at present being held. 
The Constitution which this Convention proposes is to be 
submitted to the people at the General Election, (1915). 


1 Source of Reference:—New York State Constitution: 

31 


Article XIV., Sec. 3. 



V. 

OFFICERS OF NEW YORK COUNTY, CITY, TOWN 
AND VILLAGE GOVERNMENT. 

Officers of County Government. 

New York State is divided into sixty-two counties. 
County government is the same in all counties, except in 
those which are included within the boundaries of a city.^ 

County executive officers are: (1) The District Attorney; 
(2) County Treasurer; (3) County Clerk; (4) Superintendent 
of the Poor; (5) Sheriff, etc. They are elected at the 
General Election, by a county-wide vote, for a term of 
office of three years. 

The county legislative body is the Board of Supervisors 
which consists of members elected from the towns of the 
county. (The voters of each town, at a Town Meeting, 
elect a Supervisor for a term of office of two years.) The 
Board has charge of public property, and raises money for 
county purposes, etc. 

In each county there is a County Court. The Judge of 
this Court is elected at the General Election, by a county¬ 
wide vote, for a term of office of six years. In nearly all 
counties there is a Surrogate’s Court. The Surrogate is 
also elected at the General Election, by a county-wide vote, 
for a term of office of six years. In some counties the office 
of Judge and Surrogate are held by one person. 

Officers of City Government. 

Few cities in the State have exactly the same officers of 
government. 

City executive officers are in general the following: (1) 
The Mayor, City Clerk, Comptroller, Treasurer, Corpora- 


1 When a county is included within city boundaries only certain oflScers are retained. 

32 





tion Counsel, etc., and (2) City Commissioners (such as 
Commissioner of Health, Charities, Streets, Police), and (3) 
Members of City Boards. 

The Mayor is elected by the people, by a city-wide vote. 
The other executive officers are elected or appointed ac¬ 
cording to the provisions of the City Charter. 

The City Legislature may consist of one body—the Board 
of Aldermen, or it may consist of two bodies—the Common 
Council and the Board of Aldermen. Members of the 
Legislature are usually elected by the voters of City Districts 
or Wards. 

Judges of City Courts are elected or appointed according 
to the provisions of the City Charter. 

(The terms of city offices vary in different cities.) 

By a law passed in 1914, a city of the second or third 
class may adopt a simplified form of government. The 
city executive and legislative powers may be held by a 
Council, composed of the Mayor and several Councilmen 
elected by a city-wide vote. In some cities the Council 
may appoint a chief executive officer called the City 
Manager. 


Officers of Town Government. 

Each county is divided into a number of towns or town¬ 
ships. 

The governing body of a town is the Town Meeting. It 
is held biennially for the election of town Executive Officers 
and Justices of the Peace, and to submit town questions 
to popular vote. 

Town Executive Officers are in general the following: 
(1) The Supervisor (in charge of town finances, and repre¬ 
sents the town as a Member of the County Board of Super¬ 
visors); (2) Town Clerk; (3) Tax Collector; (4) Assessors; 
(5) Overseers of the Poor; (6) Superintendent of Highways, 
etc. 

Town officers hold office two years, except Assessors who 
hold office four years. 


33 



Officers of Village Government. 

The governing body of a village is the Board of Trustees, 
which consists of the Village President and several Members. 
This Board passes by-laws for village government—has 
charge of village property—raises money for village pur¬ 
poses, etc. 

Village officers in general are the following: (1) Treasurerp 
(2) Clerk; (3) Collector; (4) Assessors; (5) Street Com¬ 
missioners; (6) Fire, Water and Light Commissioners; (7) 
Police Justice. There is a Village Board of Health ap¬ 
pointed by the Board of Trustees. 

The President, Trustees, Treasurer, Collector, Assessors, 
and Police Justice are elected at the Village Election. The 
Trustees hold office two years, the Police Justice holds 
office four years, and the remaining hold office one year. 
The Treasurer may be appointed or elected. All other 
officers are appointed by the Board of Trustees. 


34 



VI. 

DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICERS OF NEW YORK CITY 
GOVERNMENT.! 

The departments of City Government are: (1) The 
Executive Department; (2) Administrative Departments; 
(Boards and Commissions); (3) The Legislative Depart¬ 
ment; (4) The Judicial Department.! 

Election of City Officers. 

At the General Election, each alternate odd-numbered 
year,—the Mayor, the President of the Board of Aldermen, 
and the Comptroller are elected by a city-wide vote, for a 
term of office of four years. At the same General Election, 
a Borough President is elected by the voters of each Borough, 
for a term of office of four years. 

At the General Election, each odd-numbered year, an 
Alderman is elected by the voters of each Aldermanic 
District, for a term of office of two years. 

Judges of the Court of General Sessions are elected, by a 
city-wide vote, at the General Election which occurs prior 
to the expiration of term of holders of office. Their term 
of office is fourteen years. 

An allotted number of Municipal Court Justices are elected 
by the voters of each Municipal Court District, at the General 
Election which occurs prior to the expiration of the term of 
holders of office. Their term of office is ten years. 

Elective officers of the five Counties, (which are included 
within the boundaries of the City), are also elected at 
General Elections. They are elected in various years, for 
various terms of office. 

1 General Sources of Reference: The City Charter; Almanacs for 1815. 
[Sections on New York City Government.] 

35 



The next election of Mayor, President of the Board of 
Aldermen, Comptroller and Borough Presidents will take 
place in the year 1917. 

Executive Department. 

The Mayor. 

(Duties; Salary.) 

The Mayor takes office on the first of January following his 
election. As Chief Executive of the City he has in general 
the following duties: (1) He presents to the Board of Aider- 
men, at least once a year, a statement upon city government 
and finances. (2) He recommends to the Board of Aldermen 
whatever city measures he considers advisable to be passed. 
(3) He sees that the city laws are kept. (4) He appoints the 
heads of all Administrative Departments, except the Comp¬ 
troller (who is the head of the Department of Finance). (5) 
He appoints a number of Commissioners.^ (6) He supervises 
the management of the Administrative Departments. 

He has power to veto any resolution or ordinance passed 
by the Board of Aldermen.^ 

He is a member of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. 

He receives an annual salary of $15,000. 

Borough Presidents. 

(Duties; Salaries.) 

The City is divided into five Boroughs—Manhattan, the 
Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Richmond. Each Borough 
has a Borough President, who is in charge of local affairs 
within the Borough, and who may appoint such local 
officers as a Commissioner of Public Works, etc. Borough 
Presidents are members of the Board of Aldermen, and of 
the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. 

The Borough Presidents of Manhattan, the Bronx, and 
Brooklyn, receive an annual salary of $7,500 each—those 
of Queens and Richmond an annual salary of $5,000 each. 

1 City Officers ^pointed by the Mayor.Page 38 

He also appoints City Magistrates, prior to the expiration of term of holders of office. 

2 Subject to the power of the Board of Aldermen to finally repass the 

resolution or ordinance.Page 39 


36 






Administrative Departments, Boards, Commissions.^ 
Department of Finance. 

The Comptroller is at the head of the department, and 
appoints the heads of the Bureaus, except the City Chamber- 
lain (who is in charge of the City Treasury, and is appointed 
by the Mayor.) 

The department has six bureaus: (1) The Auditing Bureau; 
(2) Bureau of Municipal Investigation; (3) Bureau for Collec¬ 
tion of City Revenue; (4) Bureau for Collection of Taxes; (5) 
Bureau for Collection of Assessments; (6) Bureau of the City 
Chamberlain. 

The Comptroller receives an annual salary of $15,000. 

The City Chamberlain receives an annual salary of 

$ 12 , 000 . 


Board of Estimate. 

This Board is one of the most important bodies con¬ 
nected v/ith city government. It prepares a budget of the 
amount required to cover city expenses during the year, 
and the amount to be apportioned to each department. 
This budget is submitted to the Board of Aldermen, which 
may decrease an appropriation but may not increase it. ^ 
A decrease may be vetoed by the Mayor, and his veto can 
only be overridden by a three-fourths vote of the Board. 

The Board also has charge of the granting of franchises. 

The Members of the Board are: The Mayor, Comptroller, 
President of the Board of Aldermen, and the five Borough 
Presidents. 

The vote of the Board has the following value: The Mayor, 
Comptroller, and President of the Board of Aldermen each 
has three votes; the Borough Presidents of Manhattan and of 
Brooklyn each has two votes; the Borough Presidents of the 
Bronx, of Queens, and of Richmond each has one vote. 

1 There are a number of additional Boards and Commissions which are not 
reviewed here. 

2 The Board may not decrease such amounts as are fixed by law, or are appor¬ 
tioned by the Board of Estimate for payment of State taxes, etc. (Sec. 226, City 
Charter as amended.) 


37 



Law Department. 

The Corporation Counsel is at the head of the depart¬ 
ment. He is appointed by the Mayor for a term of office 
of four years. He is the legal advisor of all city officials, 
and is in charge of the law business of the City. He has 
power to appoint a great number of assistants. His 
annual salary is $15,000. 

Department of Health. 

The Board of Health is at the head of the department. 
It is composed of the Health Commissioner, Police Com¬ 
missioner, and Health Officer of the Port of New York. 
The Health Commissioner is appointed by the Mayor. 
His annual salary is $7,500. 

Municipal Departments. 

Other departments are: Department of Bridges, Depart¬ 
ment of Charities, Department of Corrections, Department 
of Docks, Department of Fire, Department of Licenses, De¬ 
partment of Police, Department of Parks, Department of 
Street Cleaning, Tenement House Department, Department 
of Taxes, Department of Water Supply and Electricity. 

A Commissioner is at the head of each department, 
appointed by the Mayor. The majority of Commissioners 
receive an annual salary of $7,500. 

Board of Education: The Board is composed of forty-six 
members. Each is appointed by the Mayor for a term of five years. 
The Board appoints: A Board of Superintendents, and twenty- 
six District Superintendents. (The Board of Superintendents is 
composed of a City Superintendent and eight Associate Superin¬ 
tendents, whose term of office is six years. The City Superintendent 
receives an annual salary of $10,000. The District Superintendents 
are nominated by the Board of Superintendents, and serve a term of 
office of six years. Each receives an annual salary of $5,000.) 

Board of Revision of Assessments: (Comptroller, Corporation 
Counsel, President of the Board of Taxes and Assessments.) 

Board of Assessors: (Three Assessors, appointed by the Mayor; 
salary, $5,000, each.) 


38 


Commissioners of Accounts: (Two Commissioners appointed by 
the Mayor; salary $5,000 each.) 

Civil Service Commission: (Three Commissioners appointed by 
the Mayor; salary, 1st Commissioner, $6,000, 2nd and 3rd Com¬ 
missioners, $5,000.) 

Board of Elections: (Three Commissioners appointed by the 
Mayor. Salary, $5,000, each.) 

Local Improvement Boards: Aldermanic districts are divided 
into twenty-five local improvement districts. For each district 
there is a Board composed of the Aldermen of the district. The 
Borough President is Chairman. These Boards hear local public 
complaints. 


The Legislative Department. 

The Board of Aldermen. 

The Board of Aldermen is the law making body of the 
City. It is composed of seventy-three Aldermen, the 
President of the Board, and the five Borough Presidents. 

The resolutions and ordinances of the Board are passed 
by a vote of a majority of the members of the Board. 

Every resolution or ordinance, before it takes effect, must 
be presented to the Mayor for his approval. If a resolution or 
ordinance is disapproved or vetoed by him, it cannot take 
effect unless it is repassed by a two-thirds vote of all the 
members of the Board. A resolution or ordinance involving 
the expenditure of money, the creation of a debt, or the laying 
of an assessment, cannot be passed over the Mayor’s veto ex¬ 
cept by a three-fourths vote of all the members of the Board. 

The President receives an annual salary of $5,000. Each 
Alderman receives an annual salary of $2,000. 

Judicial Department. 

City Courts. 

Court of General Sessions : The Court has seven Judges. 
Each is elected for a term of office of fourteen years. (The 
terms of two holders of office expire December 31st, 1920.) 
Each Judge receives an annual salary of $17,500. 

39 




Court of Special Sessions: The Court has a number of 
Justices. Each is appointed by the Mayor for a term of 
office of ten years. (Terms of office expire in various years.) 

The Chief Justice receives an annual salary of $10,000,— 
each Associate Justice, $9,000. 

Municipal Courts : Each of the five Boroughs is divided in¬ 
to municipal districts. There is a Municipal Court in each 
district, held by Justices who are elected by the voters of the 
district. Justices hold office for ten years, and receive an annual 
salary of $8,000, except in Queens and Richmond where they 
receive $7,000. Terms of office expire in various years.) 

City Magistrates Courts : City Magistrates are appointed 
by the Mayor, for a term of office of ten years. (Terms of 
office expire in various years.) The Chief Magistrate re¬ 
ceives an annual salary of $8,000; each City Magistrate a 
salary of $7,000. 

Children’s Court : The Mayor appoints five Justices of the 
Court of Special Sessions to serve as Justices of this Court. 


Officers of County Government. 

As New York City includes within its boundaries the 
five counties of New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens, and 
Richmond, there are, in addition to the regular city officers, 
certain officers for each county. Elective county officers 
are elected at General Elections by the voters of the county. 
(Terms expire in various years.) 


Officers of New York County 

District-Attorney. 

Surrogate. 

County Clerk. 

Register. 

Sheriff. 

Public Administrator. 

Commissioner of Records. 
Commissioner of Jurors... 


Elected Term Salary 

. 4yrs. $15,000 

. '' 14 15,000 

. 4 15,000 

. '' 4 “ 12,000 

'' 2 12,000 

.Appt. 10,000 

. 7,500 

. ‘‘ 6,000 


40 











The City Court takes the place of the regular County Court. 
It has ten judges, elected for terms of ten years. (Terms expire 
in various years). Each Judge receives a salary of $12,000. 


Officers of Bronx County 

Elected 

Term 

Salary 

County Judge. 

u 

6 yrs. 

$10,000 

District Attorney. 

a 

4 ‘‘ 

10,000 

Surrogate. 

i( 

6 

10,000 

County Clerk. 

a 

4 

10,000 

Register. 

it 

4 

10,000 

Sheriff. 

Commissioner of Jurors. 

Public Administrator. 

it 

.... Appt. 

a 

4 

10,000 

6,000 

4,000 

Officers of Kings County 

Elected 

Term 

Salary 

County Judge. 

it 

6 yrs. 

$12,500 

District-Attorney. 

a 

4 

10,000 

Surrogate. 

a 

6 

15,000 

County Clerk. 

a 

2 

12,000 

Register. 

a 

2 

12,000 

Sheriff. 

Commissioner of Jurors. 

Public Administrator. 

Commissioner of Records. 

it 

. .. .Appt. 

a 

a 

2 

15,000 

6,000 

5,000 

5,000 

Officers of Queens County 

Elected 

Term 

Salary 

County Judge. 

a 

6 yrs. 

$12,500 

Surrogate. 

a 

6 “ 

10,000 

District Attorney. 

a 

3 

8,000 

County Clerk. 

it 

3 

8,000 

Sheriff. 

Public Administrator. 

Commissioner of Jurors. 

a 

. .. .Appt. 

u 

3 

10,000 

1,200 

3,000 

Officers of Richmond County 

Elected 

Term 

Salary 

County Judge and Surrogate... . 

a 

6 yrs. 

$7,500 

District Attorney. 

a 

3 

4,000 

County Clerk. 

it 

3 “ 

5,000 

Sheriff. 

Commissioner of Jurors. 

Public Administrator. 

a 

... .Appt. 

a 

3 

6,000 

1,500 

Fees 


41 
































VII. 

CHART. 


Public Officers Elected at the General Election. 

(The General Election is held annually the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. 
The following is a list of Officers elected in various years.) 

Officers 

Presidential Electors.... 

(New York State) 

United States Senators.. 

(New York State) 

United States Repre¬ 
sentatives. 

(New York State) 

State Executive 
Governor. 

Lieutenant-Governor.. 

Secretary of State.... 

Comptroller. 

Treasurer. 

Attorney-General. 

State Engineer. 

State Legislative 

State Senators. 

Members of Assembly.. 

State Judicial 

f Chief Judge of. . . . 

] (Court of Appeals) 


(Supreme Court) 

County Officers 1.. 


City Officers. 

(of certain cities) 


Number When 

Term 

1 

Salary 

How 

Electe 
45 . 

d Elected 
Quadren¬ 
nially 

Elected 

By State¬ 
wide vote 

2 

Preceding 
expiration 
of term of 
office holder 

1 6 yrs. 

i 

J 

$7,500 

By State 
wide vote 

43 

Biennially 

] 2 yrs. 

$ 7,500 

By district 
vote 



2 yrs. 

$ 10,000 

By State¬ 
wide vote 



2 “ 

5,000 

i( 



2 “ 

6,000 

iC 



2 

8,000 

i< 


ii 

2 “ 

6,000 

a 


iC 

2 “ 

10,000 

iC 



2 “ 

8,000 

a 

By district 

41 , 

\ “ 1 

2 “ 

1,500 

vote 

150 

[ Annually J 

1 “ 

1,500 

« 

.. el 

f Preceding 
! expiration 
of term of 

14 yrs. 

14,200 

By State 
wide vote 


[office holders 

14 yrs. 

13,700 

iC 

, Allotted 
number 

« 

(( 

3 yrs. 

6 “ 

Terms 

vary 

10,000 

By District 
vote 

By county 
wide vote 
Some by 
city-wide 
vote; some 
by district 

Board of Supervisors are elected at 

Town Meetings, vote 


42 



















POLITICAL CALENDAR, 1915. 


Fall Primary Day, September, 28. 

(Polls are to be open from 3 P. M. until 9 P. M.) 

General Election Day, November 2d. 

(Polls are to be open from 6 A. M. until 5 P. M.) 

Meetings for Registration.! 

1. In cities having more than one million inhabitants 
Meetings for Registration are to be held on Monday, 
October 4, and on each of the five following days. 

(On each day, except Saturday, Meetings are to be held 
from 5:30 P. M. until 10 P. M. On Saturday, Meetings 
are to be held from 7 A. M. until 10 P. M.) 

2. In cities and villages having five thousand inhabitants 
or more, Meetings for Registration are to be held on Friday 
and Saturday, October Sth and 9th, and on Friday and 
Saturday, October \bth and 19th. 

(Meetings are to be held from 7 A. M. until 10 P. M.) 

3. In election districts not included within cities or 
villages having five thousand inhabitants or more. Meetings 
for Registration are to be held on Saturday, October 9th and 
19th. 

(Meetings are to be held from 7 A. M. until 10 P. M.) 


1 Source of Reference:—The Election Law:—Sec. 150, (as amended 1915.) 

43 




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